Sentrim Mara Camp is a comfortable mid range safari camp located close to Sekenani Gate in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya. Set across a large area with acacia trees and open surroundings, the camp provides a practical base for travelers who want good access to the Masai Mara without paying the prices of high end luxury camps.
The camp combines tented safari accommodation with permanent family units and offers useful facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Its location near one of the main entry points to the reserve makes it especially convenient for road safaris arriving from Nairobi or other parts of Kenya.
For couples, families and small groups looking for comfortable safari accommodation at a reasonable price, Sentrim Mara Camp is worth considering.
Why Stay at Sentrim Mara Camp?
One of the main advantages of Sentrim Mara Camp is its location.
The property is situated approximately 3 km from Sekenani Gate, one of the main entrances into the Masai Mara National Reserve. This allows guests to reach the reserve quickly for morning and afternoon game drives.
It is particularly useful for travelers following a road safari itinerary because access from the main Masai Mara road is relatively straightforward.
Compared with smaller luxury camps located deep inside private conservancies, Sentrim Mara focuses more on comfort, accessibility and value.
Accommodation at Sentrim Mara Camp
Sentrim Mara provides a combination of tented rooms and family accommodation.
The standard safari tents are designed to give guests the feeling of staying in the bush while still providing the basic comforts expected from a mid range safari property.
Typical room facilities include:
- Private bathroom
- Hot shower
- Comfortable beds
- In room safe
- Solar powered electricity
- Private outdoor sitting area
- Views of the surrounding camp grounds
Some rooms may also have views toward the Ngama Hills.
Published accommodation descriptions currently differ on the exact number of rooms at Sentrim Mara, so we recommend confirming the latest room inventory directly for your travel dates rather than relying on an older room count.
Family Houses at Sentrim Mara Camp
Families have the option of staying in larger permanent accommodation units.
The two bedroom family houses include two separate bedrooms together with a living area, making them useful for parents travelling with children or small family groups who prefer to stay together.
Unlike the standard accommodation, these family houses are permanent buildings rather than safari tents.
This can make Sentrim Mara particularly practical for family safaris where comfort and additional space are important.
Safari Experience
Most guests stay at Sentrim Mara Camp to explore the Masai Mara on game drives.
The Masai Mara supports an exceptional variety of wildlife throughout the year, and your daily safari can include both morning and afternoon drives or longer full day excursions.
Possible sightings include:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Different antelope species
- Numerous bird species
Leopards and black rhinos are also found in the wider Masai Mara ecosystem, although sightings depend on wildlife movements and luck.
Is Sentrim Mara Camp Good for the Great Migration?
Yes, Sentrim Mara can be used as a base for a Great Migration safari in the Masai Mara, particularly during the months when wildebeest herds are moving through Kenya.
The migration normally reaches different parts of the Masai Mara between approximately July and October, although exact timing changes every year depending on rainfall and grazing conditions.
Guests staying at Sentrim Mara can travel deeper into the reserve with their safari guide to search for wildebeest herds and other wildlife.
However, travelers should understand that Sentrim Mara is located near Sekenani Gate and not directly beside the Mara River.
If seeing a Mara River crossing is your main objective, longer game drives may be necessary to reach the appropriate sections of the reserve.
For clients focused heavily on river crossings, accommodation closer to the migration crossing areas may sometimes be a better strategic choice.
Can I See a Mara River Crossing From Sentrim Mara Camp?
Potentially, but not from the camp itself.
Your safari guide can drive toward areas where wildebeest are gathering around the Mara River during migration season.
The distance and driving time depend on where the herds are located on that particular day.
River crossings are also unpredictable. Wildebeest may gather at the river and then wait for hours or even change direction without crossing.
For travelers whose main safari goal is witnessing a crossing, we recommend allowing several days in the Masai Mara rather than trying to see one during a very short stay.
Activities at Sentrim Mara Camp
Depending on your safari program and arrangements, activities can include:
- Morning game drives
- Afternoon game drives
- Full day Masai Mara game drives
- Great Migration viewing in season
- Birdwatching
- Maasai cultural visits
- Nature experiences
- Sundowners
- Hot air balloon safari at additional cost
Some activities may need to be arranged separately and are not automatically included in the accommodation rate.
Swimming Pool and Camp Facilities
Sentrim Mara Camp has a swimming pool, which is useful after a long game drive.
Guests can return to camp, have lunch, relax and enjoy some downtime before heading out again for an afternoon safari.
Other facilities generally include:
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge and sitting areas
- Swimming pool
- Outdoor relaxation areas
- Reception
- Dining facilities
The camp is spread across a large area, giving guests more space than a small compact safari lodge.
Is Sentrim Mara Camp Luxury?
We classify Sentrim Mara as a mid range safari camp rather than a luxury property.
It offers private bathrooms, comfortable rooms, a swimming pool and good basic safari facilities, but travelers should not expect the level of exclusivity, interior design, gourmet dining or highly personalized service found at premium camps costing several times more.
That is not necessarily a disadvantage.
For travelers who spend most of their day on safari and mainly want a comfortable place to sleep, eat and relax, Sentrim Mara can represent much better value than paying for luxury facilities they may barely use.
Is Sentrim Mara Camp Good for Families?
Yes.
The availability of two bedroom family houses makes Sentrim Mara particularly useful for families travelling with children.
The swimming pool is another advantage because children and teenagers have somewhere to relax between safari activities.
Families can also stay together rather than having to book completely separate tented rooms.
When travelling with younger children, we recommend checking the latest child policy and room configuration before confirming the booking.
What Is the Food Like at Sentrim Mara Camp?
Meals are generally served at the camp’s main restaurant.
Safari lodge meals normally include a combination of international and East African dishes, with breakfast, lunch and dinner offered depending on the meal plan booked.
For guests heading out on full day game drives, packed lunches can usually be arranged so that you do not need to return to camp in the middle of the day.
Any dietary requirements should be communicated before arrival so the camp has enough time to prepare suitable meals.
How Far Is Sentrim Mara Camp From Sekenani Gate?
Sentrim Mara Camp is located approximately 3 km from Sekenani Gate.
This is one of its strongest practical advantages.
Guests can access the Masai Mara relatively quickly in the morning instead of spending a long period transferring from accommodation located much farther away.
The exact driving time depends on road conditions and traffic around the entrance.
How Do I Get to Sentrim Mara Camp?
Sentrim Mara can be reached by both road and air.
Many guests travel overland from Nairobi as part of a private Kenya safari. Driving allows you to combine the Masai Mara with other destinations in Kenya and travel with the same vehicle and guide.
Flying is another option.
Scheduled light aircraft operate between Nairobi Wilson Airport and several Masai Mara airstrips. Your safari itinerary can then include a transfer between the airstrip and Sentrim Mara Camp.
The best option depends on your budget, available time and overall safari route.
How Many Nights Should I Stay at Sentrim Mara Camp?
We normally recommend two to three nights for a general Masai Mara safari.
Two nights can work when time is limited, but three nights gives you considerably more time to explore different areas of the reserve.
If you are travelling during the Great Migration and hoping to see wildebeest concentrations or a possible river crossing, spending at least three nights is usually a better choice.
Wildlife movements change every day, so additional safari time gives your guide more flexibility.
Best Time to Stay at Sentrim Mara Camp
Sentrim Mara Camp can be visited throughout the year.
July to October
This is the most popular period for travelers interested in the Great Migration. Large numbers of wildebeest and zebras may enter the Masai Mara from the Serengeti.
January to February
A generally good period for game viewing with relatively dry conditions.
March to May
This period normally receives more rainfall. The reserve becomes greener and visitor numbers can be lower, but road conditions may be more difficult after heavy rain.
November and December
The short rains can create greener scenery while resident wildlife remains present throughout the Masai Mara.
For general wildlife viewing, there is something to see throughout the year.
Sentrim Mara Camp Rates
Published low season rates provided for the property indicate approximately:
Standard Room: From USD 112 per person per night
Two Bedroom Family House: From USD 127 per person per night
These should only be treated as indicative starting prices.
Actual rates depend on the travel season, number of guests, room configuration, meal plan and current availability.
Peak season rates during the Great Migration can be considerably higher.
When we include Sentrim Mara in a safari proposal, we confirm the current rate and availability for your exact dates.
Who Should Stay at Sentrim Mara Camp?
We recommend Sentrim Mara Camp for travelers looking for:
- Mid range Masai Mara accommodation
- Good access through Sekenani Gate
- Comfortable tented rooms
- Family accommodation
- A swimming pool
- Good value compared with luxury camps
- Private safari game drives
- A practical base for exploring the Masai Mara
It works particularly well for travelers who want to spend most of their budget on the safari itself rather than premium accommodation.
Our View of Sentrim Mara Camp
Sentrim Mara Camp makes the most sense when location, comfort and value are more important than luxury.
Its proximity to Sekenani Gate provides convenient access to the Masai Mara, the swimming pool is useful between game drives, and the family houses make it practical for travelers with children.
For a normal Masai Mara wildlife safari, it is a solid mid range option.
For travelers whose number one priority is spending several days specifically around the Mara River crossing areas, we would compare Sentrim Mara with camps located closer to those sections before deciding.
Location: Near Sekenani Gate, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya
Category: Mid Range Safari Camp
Accommodation: Safari tents and two bedroom family houses
Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, bar and lounge
Best For: Couples, families, groups and value focused safari travelers
Popular Season: July to October
